Tottenham Handed Blow After Second Defender Admits He Could Leave

Naughton will leave Tottenham if he doesn't get more opportunities.Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Naughton has admitted he will have to leave White Hart Lane if he is unable to establish himself in Tim Sherwood's starting XI.

The former Sheffield United starlet has drifted in and out of the Spurs first team throughout the season at both right and left back but has been unable to nail down a consistent first team role for himself.

Unable to displace Kyle Walker on the right, Naughton enjoyed a run in the first team on the opposite side of defence while Danny Rose was side-lined with an ankle injury. But despite starting his side's last three games, the 25-year-old is aware that he cannot afford to wait for chances at this stage in his career.

"That's what I am looking for. I want to be playing every single week. I want to be playing regularly. I am not sure what is going to happen, but if I can't hold down a first team spot then I do have to look elsewhere.

"I am not going to lie - I am a right back. That is the position I want to play in, but it has been difficult with Kyle Walker doing so well."

The news of another defender considering leaving Tottenham will be a concern for Tim Sherwood and the club's board after Jan Vertonghen's recent revelation that he may consider a move elsewhere should the club miss out on Champions League qualification.

The Belgian international, who has been tentatively linked with moves to Barcelona and Manchester United, signed a four year deal with the club after signing from Ajax last summer. But with Spurs currently six points off fourth placed Liverpool, he admitted he will consider his future after the World Cup.

"Those are always difficult questions," Vertonghen told the Evening Standard earlier this week. "What I want is to be playing in the Champions League with Tottenham, so I hope we get in this year.

"Do I have a decision to make if we don't? I can't say anything about that. Let's see after the end of the season, after the World Cup."